Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus, scientists have been racing to identify factors that increase or decrease a person’s risk of contracting the disease it causes – COVID-19.

Various theories have been put forward but the role of blood type in determining one’s risk of contracting COVID-19 has been one of the most debated issues among scientists and health experts. In this article, we will review the current research on the comparative risk of COVID-19 among different blood groups.

How Does Blood Type Affect COVID-19 Risk?

Researchers have been studying whether blood type affects the risk of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Some of the early studies conducted in China during the height of the pandemic showed that people with type A blood might be more susceptible to infection than those with type O blood.

A study published in Blood Advances in June 2020 suggested that people with type A blood have a 50% higher risk of requiring oxygen support or a ventilator compared to people with type O blood.

The study also found that people with type AB blood had a 50% higher risk of requiring dialysis or medication to support their kidneys.

However, some recent studies have contradicted these initial findings.

A study published in The Lancet Haematology in September 2020 analyzed data from over 11 million people and found no significant difference in the rate of COVID-19 infection between different blood types. Another study published in JAMA Network Open in November 2020 also found no significant difference in COVID-19 severity, complications, and ICU admission between blood groups.

What Factors Influence Blood Type and COVID-19 Risk?

While there is no conclusive evidence that blood type alone affects the risk of COVID-19, other factors that differ across blood groups may play a role.

For example, people with type A blood may be at higher risk because they tend to have higher levels of a glycoprotein called Von Willebrand factor that can make it easier for viruses like COVID-19 to bind to cells in the body. People with type O blood, on the other hand, have lower levels of Von Willebrand factor, which may make it harder for the virus to infect their cells.

Other factors that may influence COVID-19 risk include age, gender, race, ethnicity, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and exercise.

Conclusion

While the link between blood type and COVID-19 risk is still under investigation, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that any one blood type is more or less susceptible to the virus.

However, people with type A blood may want to be extra cautious and take all necessary precautions to avoid contracting the virus. Likewise, people with other blood types should continue to follow guidelines for preventing infection, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.